Читать книгу Professional Practice for Interior Designers - Christine M. Piotrowski - Страница 80

Entry‐level designers who begin their careers in a residential retail furniture store generally do so as an assistant to one of the senior designers. Assistants learn the business and gain experience with clients as they help senior designers with product specifications, drafting, sample boards, and specifications, along with many other activities. Direct client interaction occurs as the assistant gains experience and confidence.

The experienced designer works with the client in either the store or the client's home. Projects might involve designing a single space or designing and specifying items for an entire home. The designer is encouraged to sell what the store carries in inventory, but may be allowed to sell other items as well. Most often, the design service is free or offered at nominal cost, because the expense of the designer's service is covered through the sale of goods at retail.

Designers are often required to meet sales quotas and most often are paid on a commission basis rather than a salary. Entry‐level individuals are more often paid a salary, though they might receive a small commission. Depending on the store's management philosophy, it might take an entry‐level person from two to four years to be promoted out of the assistant's position.